The Art of Finger Dexterity Op. 740 (699) for Piano Cover Image

The Art of Finger Dexterity Op. 740 (699) for Piano: Piano Studies

$29.95 USD

The Art of Finger Dexterity Op. 740 (699) for Piano: Piano Studies

Name: The Art of Finger Dexterity Op. 740 (699) for Piano: Piano Studies
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-EP2412
Price: 29.95 USD
Availability: InStock

50 Studies for Piano

By Carl Czerny / ed. Adolf Ruthardt

Item: 98-EP2412

$29.95

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It is impossible to understate Czerny's importance as a teacher (Ludwig van Beethoven employed him to teach his own nephew) and his many educational works for pianists at all stages are as important today as when they were first produced. 'The Art of Finger Dexterity' contains 50 medium-length exercises designed to increase facility and a clean technique. It remains an essential component of any advancing pianist's development. This classic Edition Peters publication is used by teachers and students across the world.

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Series: Edition Peters

Publisher: Edition Peters

ISBN10: 0-01-401115-8

ISBN13: 979-0-0140-1115-4

SKU: 98-EP2412

More about this title

About the Composer: Carl Czerny

Carl Czerny (1791, 1857) was one of the most prolific and influential pedagogues in piano history. A student of Beethoven and later a teacher to a generation of accomplished pianists, Czerny understood exactly what developing musicians needed to build genuine facility at the keyboard. His output was staggering: over 1,000 compositions, many of them etudes and studies designed with surgical precision to address specific technical challenges.

What sets Czerny apart from other study composers is his gift for writing exercises that sound musical even as they solve real problems. Teachers trusted him because his studies didn't waste time on finger gymnastics for their own sake. Beethoven hired him to teach his own nephew, a vote of confidence that speaks to his pedagogical clarity and effectiveness.

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Why we love this

These 50 etudes strike a rare balance between legitimate musical substance and targeted technical work. Each study isolates a specific aspect of finger independence or passage work without sacrificing musicality, so students never feel like they're grinding through meaningless drills. The Op. 740 collection has earned its place in conservatory curricula worldwide because it genuinely prepares pianists for the demands of real repertoire.

What to expect

Purposeful and clear. These etudes strip away unnecessary complexity, letting the technical challenge speak plainly. The melodic content is straightforward but never dull, allowing your focus to settle exactly where it needs to be: on your fingers.

Who it's for

This collection serves advancing pianists who are moving beyond basic technique and need disciplined, targeted work on finger independence and passagework. Teachers use these studies with intermediate to advanced-intermediate students who are preparing for more demanding solo repertoire and need to strengthen their technical foundation without distraction.

How to get the most out of it

Treat each exercise as a short musical phrase, not a technical chore. Shape the line, attend to dynamics, and let the music breathe.
Start slowly and establish clean articulation before building speed. The goal is clarity first, velocity second.
Record yourself regularly to catch uneven finger work or rhythmic sloppiness that your hands may not feel in the moment.
Work through them in order rather than jumping around; Czerny structured the progression intentionally to build skills layer by layer.

How to use it

Assign these as part of a structured technical regimen rather than as standalone recital pieces. Many teachers assign one or two etudes per week during lessons, rotating through the collection over the course of a season to build cumulative strength.